The captains: New Zealand's Richie McCaw might only be on one leg but he is still good enough to dominate the breakdown unless France's captain, Thierry Dusautoir, can somehow negate him. Dusautoir prefers concentrating on putting in his big hits and making the hard yards but needs to scramble like never before as neither Imanol Harinordoquy or Julien Bonnaire are particularly good on the ground. In terms of leadership, the All Blacks follow McCaw unquestionably, while you sometimes wonder how Dusautoir ever gets France singing from the same hymn sheet. That needs to change.

Scrum-half: A delicious contest to savour featuring the King of Cool - Dimitri Yachvili - who has never knowingly broken sweat or been pictured with a hair out of place - against the roly-poly street urchin and now cult figure that is Piri Weepu. Both are integral to their teams. Yachvili likes to run the show with his Biarritz colleague Imanol Harinordoquy at No 8, but he can be too cautious - at some stage he must let Morgan Parra call the shots if France are to compete. With Dan Carter long gone, Weepu is the key decision maker for New Zealand as he tries to shield young Aaron Cruden. Needs to kick his goals as well.

Full-back: Israel Dagg has been one of the players of the tournament with his fresh approach, natural running skills and predatory, try-scoring instincts. New Zealand need him to stay relaxed, not go into his shell, and continue in a similar vein because he has become the key ingredient in their attacking game. Meanwhile, France's Maxime Medard can be equally as good but he hasn't shown it in this World Cup so far. If Medard suddenly catches fire and starts appearing everywhere you will know that France have "turned up" and that the All Blacks will have a match on their hands.

Coaches: One way or another both coaches will be defined by this game. Graham Henry needs to convert long years of excellence with Wales and New Zealand into the ultimate prize, the trophy that has always eluded him. A victory would take him from being greatly respected to revered. For Lievremont the stakes are even higher. For many critics his four years in charge of France have been a joke, and not very funny at that, but if France can somehow pull this off he would have the last laugh. He might be drinking alone but he would be vindicated.

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STAT ATTACK

This is the sixth time these two side have met in the World Cup, a competition record. New Zealand currently lead the series 3-2.

All Black lock Brad Thorn, at 36 years and 262 days, will become the oldest player to play in a RWC final, surpassing the 36 years 33 days set by England's Mike Catt in 2003.

England's Jason Leonard (35 years 100 days in the RWC 2003 final) is the oldest player to win a RWC final.

New Zealand hooker Keven Mealamu will join former All Black captain and hooker Sean Fitzpatrick on 92 caps - both players have scored 12 Test tries.

If New Zealand replacement Stephen Donald gets on he will be the first player to make his World Cup debut in the final itself.

France wing Vincent Clerc is the joint-top try scorer - with England's Chris Ashton - in this year's tournament with six tries.

Clerc is the only player on either side to have played in every minute of his team's World Cup campaign.

Aurilien Rougerie will be playing his 17th World Cup match, a record for a French back

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REFEREE

Craig Joubert has clearly been the outstanding referee at the RWC2011 and has deservedly been rewarded with the World Cup final itself. He becomes the second South African to take charge of rugby's gala occasion, with Andre Watson officiating at both the 1999 and 2003 finals. He has Alain Rolland and Nigel Owens in support running the lines, which will be comforting on what could be an emotionally charged occasion.